interfered with by the other. When the mind is active and vigorous, and properly exercised in all its departments of feeling and affection as well as of intellect, the nervous influence which the brain produces is not only more abundant, but of a more healthful and invigorating quality. Hence the well-known preservative and restorative influence of cheerful dispositions and gratified activity of mind, and hence the depressing, morbid, and often fatal effects of corroding care, grief, and apprehension, on every organ of the body. Hence, too, the weak digestion and sallow complexions of literary men and hard students, who suffer severely from transgressing this law of the animal economy by habitually engaging in occupations requiring much exertion of mind, not only soon after, but even during the very act of swallowing their meals. Ignorant of the connexion subsisting between the different functions, and of their laws of action, few can be convinced in time of the importance of observing this condition, even after its operation has been explained to them. In the conclusion, however, experience teaches many whose reason is insufficient for their guidance, and forces them to a closer conformity with the dictates of nature, when obedience is almost too late to be of benefit. The prodigious influence of the nervous system on digestion is familiarly and unequivocally exhibited in almost every case of dyspepsia which each succeeding day brings under the notice of the physician. _He_ knows well from experience that the diet may be selected with every care, its quantity duly proportioned, and exercise rigidly practised, and yet all his curative treatment fail even to relieve, unless his patient be at the same time freed from the pressure of care, and due attention be devoted to the observance of mental and bodily repose after every meal. The heavier the meal the greater is the desire for absolute rest, and the less advantageously can active exertion be encountered. When the stomach is loaded, the whole vital energies seem to be concentrated in it to enable it to cope with the task imposed upon it. But when we eat temperately, there is less necessity for entire quietude of mind and body. Accordingly, if we do not experience the same dislike to exertion after a light forenoon lunch, which we do after a heavy late dinner, the reason is simply, that less gastric juice, less nervous energy, and less vigorous action in the stomach, are required to digest in the one case than in the other. Among operative manufacturers, who are much within doors, and who are allowed only a few minutes for meals, indigestion is very prevalent. Ordinary labourers are better treated in this respect, as they are allowed one hour for breakfast and another for dinner. To most of them the walk to and from their own houses is almost as good as, if not better, than absolute rest, because it varies their position, is taken leisurely, and costs no effort.